10 Tips for Ride-Alongs

1) Do Paperwork

Ride-alongs in almost every agency involve the filling out of at least some paperwork. That paperwork usually encompasses a liability waiver that needs to be signed. Some agencies do allow minors to ride-along, but a parent’s signature is usually required. You may also have to read and sign a departmental policy on ride-along rules. Other paperwork includes information and permission to run name, driver’s license operator number, social security number, and date of birth information through law enforcement databases. Make sure that all of the information provided is true and correct. This paperwork facilitates conducting of an at least cursory background check. Law enforcement folks certainly don’t want convicted or wanted criminals riding next to their officers.